KWS relocates 15 rogue elephants

Rangers in patrol in one of the Kenya's national parks. The Kenya Wildlife Service is relocating 15 elephants that are notorious for straying out of two conservancies. File

The Kenya Wildlife Service is relocating 15 elephants that are notorious for straying out of two conservancies.

Assistant director for Mountain region Aggrey Maumo said the rogue elephants have been destroying farmlands after breaking away from Ol Pejeta Conservancy and ADC Mutara Ranch. This has worsened the human-wildlife conflict.

The jumbos will be relocated to Kora national park within the greater Meru national park where six others from Lewa Downs Conservancy were taken recently.

The Meru national park has been undergoing restocking over the past six years after poachers depleted its wildlife in 1980s.

Also Read

“We have identified the animals. Apart from them being habitual fence breakers, the relocation will ease congestion,” Mr Maumo said.

A wildlife census conducted in November last year established that the elephant population in Laikipia, Isiolo and Samburu was 6,200. Aberdare national park led with 2,000 animals followed by Mt Kenya national park with 1,800 animals.

Wildlife conservationists regard Laikipia County as an important breeding area for elephants and rhinos.